Shropshire-based Protolabs, a world-leading digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, has won a Queen’s Award — for the third time (www.protolabs.com).

The company, which has its European head office in Telford, previously won awards in 2010 and 2013.

Bjoern Klaas, Protolabs Europe vice president and managing director, said: “It is a great privilege for us to be recognised for our excellence in international trade and a real testament to the magnificent work of our team at Protolabs.

“We take enormous pride in being at the forefront of innovation, helping thousands of companies to bring exciting new products to market in record-breaking time, in a reliable fashion and at a quality that customers expect in line with our brand promise.

“I am particularly delighted for all the team involved in winning this recognition.

“Their on-going commitment, hard work and determination to be the best at what we do have allowed us to flourish in the international market-place.”

Protolabs was founded in 1999 and now has bases in Europe and around the world, with its key European markets in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and Sweden.

As a digital manufacturer, the company uses advanced 3-D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding technologies to produce custom-designed parts and prototypes in days.

It has seen its UK facility’s overseas sales grow from £13 million in 2015 to £27.7 million in 2017.